Scotland and Croatia square off at Hampden Park for a crucial UEFA Nations League A clash. With Scotland languishing in 4th place with just one point and Croatia sitting comfortably in 2nd with seven points, the stakes are high for both sides. Scotland, winless in their last five matches, faces a tough opponent in Croatia, who are eyeing a playoff spot. Referee Orel Grinfeld will oversee the match, with clear skies and cold temperatures setting the scene.
Croatia, the bookmakers’ favourite with odds of 2.14, is predicted to control ball possession and play attacking football. A recommended bet is for Croatia to win, which would inch them closer to the playoff stage. Scotland needs a victory to avoid relegation, while Croatia aims to secure their playoff spot, making this a match of significant importance.
Scotland vs. Croatia Prediction & Betting Tip
The recommended betting tip for this fixture is for Croatia to win, considering their ber performance in the tournament so far and their need to secure a playoff spot.
Scotland vs. Croatia Prediction
| Betting tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Croatia to win | 2.13 |
Three reasons why this prediction is solid
- Form and Ranking: Croatia, ranked 2nd with seven points, has shown more consistent form compared to Scotland, who are at the bottom with just one point.
- Offensive Strength: Croatia has averaged 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches, showcasing their attacking prowess.
- Head-to-Head Advantage: In their recent encounters, Croatia has won the last two matches against Scotland, demonstrating their upper hand. Scotland’s defensive strategy might not suffice against a Croatian side that is likely to control ball possession and aim for an early goal.
Scotland vs. Croatia Odds
Heading into this crucial UEFA Nations League A clash, the bookmakers have made Croatia the favorites. Given Croatia’s position in the table and their recent form, their shorter odds reflect higher expectations for them to secure a win.
| Scotland vs. Croatia Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Croatia to Win | 2.14 |
| Draw | 3.38 |
| Scotland to Win | 3.40 |
With Scotland needing a result to avoid relegation, their odds of 3.40 reflect the difficulty of their task. The draw, at 3.38, indicates a balanced outlook should Scotland manage to hold Croatia at bay. Croatia’s odds of 2.14 suggest a b belief in their ability to control the game and secure a win, potentially cementing their position in the quarterfinals.
Scotland Team Analysis
Scotland Recent Performance DLLLL
Scotland’s recent form reads DLLLL, reflecting a challenging season so far. They earned a resilient 0-0 draw against Portugal but have struggled otherwise, with losses against opponents like Croatia, Portugal, Poland, and Hungary. With an average of only 0.80 goals scored per match and just one clean sheet in their last five games, offensive and defensive inconsistencies are evident. Steve Clarke’s men need to find momentum quickly if they hope to stay in League A.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | Portugal | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Croatia | Scotland | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Portugal | Scotland | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Scotland | Poland | 2-3 (Loss) |
| Scotland | Hungary | 0-1 (Loss) |
Scotland Key Players
For Scotland, Scott McTominay stands out as their top scorer with two goals in this Nations League campaign. His versatility as an attacking midfielder makes him a crucial part of Steve Clarke’s setup. In defense, Andrew Robertson, the captain, will be instrumental in countering Croatia’s potent attack. His overlapping runs can also prove beneficial in providing assists from the left flank. Potentially key on the wings are Ryan Christie and Ben Doak, who will need to exploit Croatia’s defensive gaps. Expected lineup for Scotland:
- Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon
- Defenders: Tony Ralston, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andrew Robertson
- Midfielders: Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean, Ryan Christie, Scott McTominay, Ben Doak
- Forward: Lyndon Dykes
Scotland Suspensions & Injuries
Scotland is grappling with a series of injuries heading into this crucial UEFA Nations League match against Croatia. The team is currently without several key players, which could significantly impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Hickey | Hamstring Injury | Late November 2024 |
| Angus Gunn | Rib Injury | Late November 2024 |
| Ross McCrorie | Hamstring Injury | Late November 2024 |
| Josh Doig | Knock Injury | Doubtful |
| Che Adams | Thigh Injury | Late November 2024 |
| Liam Lindsay | Knock Injury | Doubtful |
| No suspensions are reported for the team. |
The absence of Che Adams, Scotland’s forward, is particularly concerning. Adams’ presence upfront is sorely missed, and his injury leaves a void that will be challenging to fill. Additionally, the defensive unit will be without Aaron Hickey and Ross McCrorie, adding pressure on the backline to remain cohesive against Croatia’s attacking threats.
Scotland Tactics and Formation
Scotland Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Lyndon Dykes
- Midfield Trio: Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Scotland tends to score most of its goals in the 76-90, 31-45, and 0-15 intervals.
Given their recent performances and the injuries impacting the squad, Steve Clarke may adopt a more defensive approach against Croatia. With key players like Che Adams out, Scotland will likely rely on Dykes up front, supported by a midfield trio focused on disrupting Croatia’s play.
Scotland has struggled defensively, conceding 1.8 goals on average in the tournament, and may rely on the experience in their backline featuring Andrew Robertson to hold firm against Croatia’s attacking threat.
Croatia Team Analysis
Croatia Recent Performance DWWLD
Croatia has shown solid form in their recent performances, reflecting their status as the bookmaker’s favorite. In their last five matches, Croatia has secured two wins, two draws, and one loss. They have demonstrated a balanced approach, scoring an average of 1.60 goals per match and maintaining one clean sheet. Despite some defensive vulnerabilities, especially away, they have managed to stay competitive.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | Croatia | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Croatia | Scotland | 2-1 (Win) |
| Croatia | Poland | 1-0 (Win) |
| Portugal | Croatia | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Croatia | Italy | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Croatia’s consistent goal-scoring form and disciplined defense make them a formidable opponent in this UEFA Nations League clash. |
Croatia Key Players
Croatia boasts a squad with several standout players who can make a significant impact in the upcoming match against Scotland. Igor Matanovic, the top scorer for Croatia with 1 goal in this tournament, will be aiming to add more to his tally. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, known for his playmaking abilities, will be crucial for controlling the game’s tempo and creating opportunities. Ivan Perisic and Borna Sosa will be key on the flanks, providing both defensive stability and attacking support. Their ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will be vital. Expected lineup for Croatia:
- Goalkeeper: Nediljko Labrovic
- Defenders: Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric, Petar Sucic, Borna Sosa
- Attackers: Martin Baturina, Igor Matanovic, Andrej Kramaric Key individual battles to watch out for will be Matanovic against Scotland’s central defenders John Souttar and Grant Hanley. Luka Modric’s midfield battle against Billy Gilmour will also be an intriguing encounter.
Croatia Suspensions & Injuries
Croatia heads into their match against Scotland with a few injury concerns but no suspensions, which slightly impacts the team’s depth and player availability.
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Josip Stanisic | Knee injury | Mid December 2024 |
| Martin Erlic | Hamstring injury | Late November 2024 |
| Dion Beljo | Knock injury | Doubtful |
The absence of Josip Stanisic means Croatia will miss a solid defensive option on the right side. Martin Erlic’s hamstring injury puts additional pressure on the central defenders, while Dion Beljo’s doubtful return could affect their attacking rotations.
However, Croatia’s squad depth, especially with key players like Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol, should mitigate these issues. Their ability to adapt and fill these gaps will be crucial for maintaining their b performance in the UEFA Nations League.
Croatia Tactics and Formation
Croatia’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forward: Igor Matanović
- Midfield Trio: Luka Modrić, Petar Sučić, Andrej Kramarić
- Defensive Strength: Consistent performances from Joško Gvardiol Croatia is expected to use a 3-4-3 formation under Zlatko Dalić. The team will focus on a high-pressing game to maintain possession and disrupt Scotland’s defense. Luka Modrić will orchestrate play from the midfield, ensuring the team effectively transitions from defense to attack. Igor Matanović and Andrej Kramarić will be crucial in breaking down Scotland’s backline. Croatia’s defensive trio, led by Gvardiol, aims to remain solid, mitigating the threats from Scotland’s wingers. Expect Croatia to target scoring opportunities early to secure a win.
Scotland vs. Croatia Head-to-Head Statistics
Here’s a look at the last five encounters between Scotland and Croatia. The games have been competitive, with a mix of results highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both teams over the years.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia | Scotland | 2-1 |
| Scotland | Croatia | 2-0 |
| Croatia | Scotland | 3-1 |
| Scotland | Croatia | 1-1 |
| Croatia | Scotland | 0-1 |
Croatia appears to have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning three out of the last five encounters. However, history shows that Scotland can spring a surprise, making this an intriguing fixture to watch.
Venue and Weather
Hampden Park, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is set to host this intriguing clash between Scotland and Croatia. Known for its raucous atmosphere, Hampden Park has a seating capacity of approximately 51,866, making it a formidable venue for visiting teams. On match day, the weather is expected to be quite chilly with a temperature around 5°C, clear skies, and a minimal wind speed of 1.21 m/s. The cold weather and clear conditions could favor Scotland’s style of play, possibly encouraging them to adopt a more aggressive approach. Croatia, known for their technical prowess, might need to focus on maintaining possession and using quick, sharp plays to break through Scotland’s defense in these brisk conditions.
Where to Watch Croatia vs Scotland
The UEFA Nations League 2024-25 match between Croatia and Scotland will be telecast live on the Sony Sports 1, 2, 3 and 5 TV channels in India. Live streaming of the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 matches will be available on SonyLIV.
